BB raises limit for digital services to Tk 2,000

Bangladesh Bank has increased the monthly spending limit for mobile subscribers purchasing digital products and services through direct operator billing (DOB) from Tk 600 to Tk 2,000, aiming to expand access to digital services and boost the country's digital economy.

In a circular issued on February 03, the central bank said mobile users will now be able to spend up to Tk 2,000 per month on digital goods and services using airtime or mobile balance, compared with the previous ceiling of Tk 600.

The revised limit will initially remain in force for six months, while a permanent guideline is expected to be finalised soon.

Under the expanded facility, subscribers will be able to pay for a wide range of services, including 33 government services such as citizenship, nationality, death and marriage certificates, orphan certificates, and new voter verification, alongside local and international OTT platforms and other digital content and services.

The move is expected to enhance financial inclusion and simplify access to digital services by allowing mobile users to make small-value payments without traditional banking channels.

Welcoming the decision, retired Colonel Mohammad Zulfikar, secretary general of the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB), said the approval would significantly benefit mobile users and the digital ecosystem.

"Mobile subscribers will now be able to purchase digital products and services using talk-time worth up to Tk 2,000 per month instead of Tk 600. We thank Bangladesh Bank on behalf of mobile operators for issuing this approval in the interests of customers," he said. "Although the approval has been granted for six months, we have been informed that a permanent guideline will be prepared shortly."

Industry insiders believe the revised limit could accelerate the growth of digital services, strengthen public service delivery, and create new opportunities for content providers and service platforms.

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